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Copyright of AIN Journal is the property of Arab Institute of Navigation and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

AbstractThis case study describes a successful nutrition social marketing program in Afghanistan. By building up the domestic soy industry and supply chain, while creating consumer demand for high-protein soy products to combat malnutrition, the Nosh-e-Jaan campaign rebalanced the market dynamics for this relatively unknown locally grown crop. The campaign included technical assistance to the soy industry and retailers, a consumer media campaign, and community outreach via influencers, government agencies, and events. Outcomes included increases in awareness of soy, purchase of soy products, and knowledge about protein. This project provides critical lessons for those planning social marketing programs in similar settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy plays an integral role in New Yorkers' lives. It powers the economy, moves people and goods, keeps homes and workplaces at a livable temperature, and runs critical infrastructure that keeps people healthy and safe. Reliable energy systems are easy to take for granted, but many aspects of these systems are vulnerable to weather and climate hazards. This chapter discusses how climate change is affecting and will increasingly affect New York State's energy supply, delivery, and end uses. It provides insights into current and future climate vulnerabilities as New York's energy system transitions to clean energy sources. This assessment also highlights opportunities to adapt current and future energy systems and to build resilience to climate impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Jurnal Locus: Penelitian dan Pengabdian is the property of Riviera Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Sakarya Journal of Economics / Sakarya Iktisat Dergisi is the property of Sakarya Journal of Economics / Sakarya Iktisat Dergisi and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Al-Ahsa Oasis, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Saudi Arabia, has significant potential for rural tourism development. This study examines the supply side of rural lodges within the oasis, focusing on their characteristics, pricing, and key factors influencing the rural tourism market. Descriptive analysis revealed a diverse range of rental prices (SAR 350–3000 per night) and lodge sizes (90–10,000 m2). Three types of rural lodges emerged: chalets, resorts, and istrahas, catering to various guest preferences and budgets. Resorts, with their larger sizes and comprehensive amenities, commanded the highest average prices. A hedonic price model was employed to analyze the factors affecting rental prices. We find that the number of bedrooms, the availability of pools, and car garages positively impacted prices. In contrast, the presence of pool fences and "family-only" designations negatively affected prices, suggesting limited appeal to some market segments. These findings provide valuable insights for tourism stakeholders and policymakers seeking to optimize the rural tourism sector in Al-Ahsa Oasis. This study emphasizes the importance of understanding supply-side dynamics, catering to diverse visitor needs, and investing in amenities that enhance guest experiences. By promoting quality standards and encouraging infrastructure investment, policymakers can contribute to the sustainable development of rural tourism in Al-Ahsa Oasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Environmental & Social Management Journal / Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental is the property of Environmental & Social Management Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Rice is a basic cereal in the diet of Mexicans; currently, Mexico imports large quantities to meet domestic demand. This work aimed to analyze the factors affecting the rice market in Mexico, as well as to measure the effect of different price levels. A simultaneous equation model consisting of a supply equation, a demand equation, and three price transmission equations and an identity of foreign trade balance was estimated for the period from 1999 to 2021. The results indicate that the supply and demand of rice respond inelastically to its price. The factors that most affected supply were temperature, the real rural average price of corn, and the availability of water for irrigation, with elasticities of 1.57, -1 and 0.24, respectively; likewise, the factors that affected demand were per capita income, real consumer prices of eggs and beans, with elasticities of 0.98, -0.48 and -0.37. An inelastic elasticity coefficient of 0.06 was found between the real import price and the real wholesale price; the latter modified the average rural price by 0.24 and the real consumer price by 0.7. For this reason, it is recommended to allocate complementary support to the agricultural sector, such as the programs of fertilizers, sowing life, technical advice, credit and irrigation infrastructure supports, among others; this measure will increase domestic production and gradually reduce rice imports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The need for water for life is a reality. With climate change, rainfall patterns are changing worldwide and there is increasing awareness of the need for water collection in society. Any water collected could help to alleviate daily needs and therefore, in this study an approximation of the provision has been determined that could be evaluated for different Spanish cities based on the “in situ” collection of precipitated rainwater. On the other hand, it is well known that supply networks have leaks. The International Water Association (IWA) defined a series of indicative parameters and among them the parameter called Structural Leakage Index (IFE) in Spanish or Infrastructure Leakage Index (ILI) in English, which has been incorporated into Spanish regulations, specifically, the Royal Decree RD 3/2023, of January 10. The IFE/ILI has been determined for the same Spanish cities and what their improvement can mean, also approximately, in water savings by applying corrective measures and sustained plans for repairing leaks and optimizing pressures, reaching the conclusion that they could be taken into account in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Tecnología y Ciencias del Agua is the property of Instituto Mexicano de Tecnologia del Agua (IMTA) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Tecnología y Ciencias del Agua is the property of Instituto Mexicano de Tecnologia del Agua (IMTA) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

To achieve Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7) and improve energy management efficiency, it is essential to develop models and methods to forecast and enhance the process accurately. These tools are crucial in shaping the national policymakers' strategies and planning decisions. This study utilizes data envelopment analysis (DEA) and bootstrap computational methods to evaluate Brazil's energy efficiency from 2004 to 2023. Additionally, it compares seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (SARIMA) models and autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) forecasting models to predict the variables' trends for 2030. One significant contribution of this study is the development of a methodology to assess Brazil's energy efficiency, considering environmental and economic factors to formulate results. These results can help create policies to make SDG7 a reality and advance Brazil's energy strategies. According to the study results, the annual energy consumption rate is projected to increase by an average of 2.1% by 2030, which is accompanied by a trend of GDP growth. By utilizing existing technologies in the country, it is possible to reduce electricity consumption costs by an average of 30.58% while still maintaining the same GDP value. This demonstrates that sustainable development and adopting alternatives to minimize the increase in energy consumption can substantially impact Brazil's energy sector, improving process efficiency and the profitability of the Brazilian industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main aim of this study was to identify the factors that affected prices on the Polish grain market in 2005-2023. The analysis relied mainly on Statistics Poland data concerning the area under cereal production, grain yields, grain production, grain prices, grain imports and exports, and grain consumption. The research used the multiple regression method, which allowed to identify the factors determining the prices of wheat and rye. In Poland, the total area under cereal production decreased by 13.7% between 2005 and 2023. In the analyzed period, an increase was observed in the yields of wheat (36.2%), rye (47.3%), barley (39.4%), oat (25.2%), triticale (37.0%), mixed grains (19.5%), and grain maize (27.23%). Between 2005 and 2023, total grain yields increased by 33.1%, and the yields of the major cereal crops increased by 21.9%. Research shows that harvests in the world, in the EU and in Poland, as well as the area under wheat cultivation, are the factors shaping wheat prices in Poland. Wheat prices are therefore global and depend on changes in world markets. Global market trends determine wheat purchase prices and affect the profitability of production. The factors influencing the price of rye include the area of rye cultivation and bread consumption. Rye finds buyers mainly on the domestic market and is used in the food and feed industry. The reduction in animal production in the country resulted in reduced demand for rye for feed purposes.

Shallots are a key commodity in Indonesia and play a significant role in household consumption and economic stability. This study aims to: 1) analyze shallot price trends in Mataram and Kupang during the pandemic and post-pandemic periods, 2) assess the degree of price fluctuations in these regions, and 3) compare the variability of shallot prices between the two periods. The research utilizes secondary time-series data spanning from January 2020 to December 2023. The results show significant price fluctuations during and after the pandemic, with CV values exceeding 9%, indicating high variability. In Kupang, the CV increased from 19.16% during the pandemic to 31.62% post-pandemic, while in Mataram, it rose from 16.84% to 26.26%.

Surakarta has an area of 46.72 km2 with a population of 583,961 people. The land use in Surakarta for housing is 62% and for open space is only 9.82% of the area. Meanwhile, economic growth in this city has always experienced an increasing trend, where in 2023 investment growth reached 55.82%. This study aims to determine the general picture through the causal relationship between the components of urban development and the carrying capacity of land in Surakarta. This study uses a quantitative descriptive approach. Data is obtained from identified variables which are then arranged dynamically using Causal Loop Diagram (CLD) analysis processed with Vensim software. The results show that there is a supply model (built-up area and green open space) and a demand model (population, investment, and Gross Domestic Product). The relationship between variables describes the causal relationship in Surakarta's Land Carrying Capacity divided into three rounds, namely Loop B1 (Land Carrying Capacity – Demand - Supply - Land Carrying Capacity), Loop B2 (Supply - Built-up Land - Land Conversion - Green Open Space – Supply), and Loop R1 (Population - Demand - Investment - GDP - GDP per capita – Population).

Moscow occupies a special place in the real estate market of the Russian Federation, as it is characterized by a large volume of new residential real estate, the existence of large market players and the presence of high (compared with other regions of the country) effective demand. In many ways, the stability of the Russian real estate market depends on the stability of the Moscow real estate market. For this reason, an analysis of the current state of the Moscow real estate market is of great importance. Objective. Analysis of the dynamic development of the residential real estate market in Moscow for the period 2018-2023. Methodology. The study is based on the analysis of statistical data on the residential real estate market in Moscow for the period 2018-2023. Results. The conducted research has shown that the Moscow residential real estate market has prospects for outstripping growth and development. It has a high level of attractiveness for investors and buyers due to its dynamism and the introduction of modern technologies. At the same time, there are problems in the residential real estate market in Moscow that require immediate solutions, affecting supply and demand. Conclusions are drawn on the development of the residential real estate market and measures are proposed to improve the efficiency of the real estate market. Practical implications. To improve the efficiency of the Moscow real estate market, it is necessary to take into account the interests of both potential buyers and developers by balancing supply and demand in the real estate market through the implementation of various measures such as price regulation, infrastructure improvement, government support programs, etc.

Abstract Background The increasing shortage of staff in healthcare facilities worldwide calls for a human resource planning strategy in order to ensure safe, timely and patient-centred care. The purpose of this paper is to provide an analysis and supply and demand projections of nurses, midwives, and radiographers within the labor market of the largest university hospital in the Baltic States by 2030. Methods The staff supply was calculated on the intake and outflow of persons in the labour market annually for various factors. Projections for the demand of nurses, midwives, and radiographers took into account the different needs of the population, categorized by gender and age, for the services offered within the institution. Results The analysis highlights significant projected shortages in the supply of nurses and radiographers by 2030, while the supply of midwives is expected to meet the demand. The projected supply of nurses in 2030 will be lower than in 2021. Projected nurses demand in 2025 according medium scenario - shortage of 59 nurses, on prospective scenario - of 331 nurses. In 2030 according medium scenario - shortage of 173 nurses on prospective - of 772 nurses. The projected supply of radiographers in 2030 will be higher than in 2021. Projected radiographers demand in prospective scenario which is the most likely in 2025 - shortage of 26 and in 2030 - shortage of 52 radiographers. The projected supply of midwives in 2030 will be higher than in 2021. The variables influencing the increase in the demand for midwives did not exceed the projected supply in the institution, indicating a balanced supply-demand scenario for midwives. Conclusions Due to the rising demand for nurse and radiographer services from the aging population, the predicted supply of nurses and radiographers will be insufficient. To ensure the projected demand for nurses in the medium and prospective scenarios, the nurses recruited each year should increase up to 38% in the medium scenario and 69% in the prospective scenario from 2022. In the prospective demand scenario, the recruitment of radiographers should increase three-fold and the recruitment of midwives should be reduced by 30%.

Seablite salt (Suaeda maritima) was a unique product currently under development. Seablite is a low-sodium salt essential for modern society, particularly for those who prioritize their health. This investigation aims to employ a dynamic system approach to evaluate the revenue and profit generated by the salt production system. The dynamic systems approach steps: the construction of the causal loop diagram, the development of the stock-and-flow model, the parameterization of the model, the simulation to analyze the system's behavior under various conditions, the verification and validation, the development of policy recommendations, and the conclusion with a summary of the core findings. The model was developed using four submodels: (1) demand, (2) supply, (3) production cost, and (4) revenue. The moderate scenario demonstrates that the salt flow requirements can be satisfied by utilizing the dynamic system to protect the revenue and production costs. It was consistent with the escalating production expenses. According to the optimistic scenario, the salt demand can be satisfied until 2026. The company's revenue is insufficient to cover production costs due to the rise in raw material prices. Farmers begin to reap the rewards in this scenario. It's because the overall revenue exceeds the production costs.

The social market economies of the Western world considered the provision of plasma derivatives produced from publicly owned blood services as a legitimate state commitment and, until the last decades of the 20th century, many of the relevant jurisdictions maintained state‐supported fractionation plants to convert publicly collected plasma into products for the public health system. This situation started to change in the 1990s, because of several converging factors, and currently, publicly owned/subsidized, not‐for‐profit fractionation activity has shrunk to a handful of players. However, the collection of plasma from publicly owned blood services has continued and recent developments have increased the interest of state authorities globally to increase the volume of plasma collected to increase the level of strategic independence in the supply of crucial plasma‐derived medicines from commercial market pressures, particularly the global for‐profit fractionation sector with its dominance of source plasma from paid donors in the United States. This paper reviews the development of the plasma industry and the evolution of the pressures on the supply of plasma, which has led to a situation of scarcity of key plasma‐derived medicinal products (PDMPs). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives Materials and Methods Results Conclusion Pressures on the supply of plasma‐derived medicinal products (PDMPs) have led to the efforts to increase the level of plasma collected by public health authorities.Public blood collectors were assessed regarding their routes towards domestically sourced plasma and PDMPs.The collectors' operations were specified and analysed. Models were classified according to the type of plasma collection system and contract fractionation arrangements.Commitment and control to a public plasma collection system are the key features that need to underpin plasma collection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the water resources in four sections of Chapultepec Forest (CF) to assess their current state and propose strategies for proper management. The forest is significant for Mexico City due to its historical and cultural value, ecological relevance, and contribution to the quality of life of its residents. For diagnosis, a water balance was carried out under current conditions, and water supply and demand were projected to the year 2050. The results show that there is currently a water deficit in sections 1, 2, and 3, mainly due to the demand for irrigation water. Towards 2050, and considering the trend of climatological variables, an increase in the deficit is expected for the entire CF due to increased evaporation and water demand in its various uses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Historical geographers consider large infrastructures through their situatedness in place as well as through their entanglements within wider socio-economic and political structures. This contribution examines the historical geographical approach through eighteenth-century water infrastructures in urban and industrializing Britain. As such it explores the tension between an infrastructure embedded in place and the fluid nature of water how the everyday interactions of people with water shaped the management of these infrastructures and how their construction interlinked with wider socio-economic narratives. As prominent drivers of the transformation of place and space large infrastructures often ended up doing more than their constructors intended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines a range of issues related to food and beverages consumed by the soldiers, including ration supply methods, storage, transport and distribution of ration, cooking of food, food consumption as well as feeding of combat animals in the Prophet's (pbuh) ghazwa and sariyyas. The data of the research were obtained from sîra-maghāzî sources, universal history books, hadith books, tabakāt books, geography books, dictionaries, and other relevant sources. The findings of the study indicate that, during military operations in the time of the Prophet, food such as dates, hays, bread, sevîk, and dried or fresh meat were generally preferred due to their nutritional value, durability, ease of procurement, preservation, and transportation. During this period, a variety of methods were employed to provide food following necessities. The principal methods of food provision included personal food, food supplied by state support, natural resources, and war booty, food was procured through purchases, donations and aid, food supplies through treaties, and food procured through hunting. The sources do not contain any information regarding the warrior's stockpiling of provisions for himself during peaceful times. In the time of military campaigns, camels were the most important means of military transportation of the period, serving as a mobile supply depot for military units due to their exceptional carrying capacity and the fact that they themselves were a source of sustenance. Besides, the areas where war booty was obtained from the enemy served as a kind of supply depot. Food supplies were transported to operational areas by both camel and on foot. The number of meals per day and the quantity of food consumed per meal varies depending on a number of factors, which include the length and duration of the campaign, the amount of food stockpiled, and regional resources. Furthermore, there is a lack of detailed information on this subject in the sources, making it extremely challenging to accurately calculate the rations per soldier and the calorific value of the available food per day. In some cases, the troops faced significant ration shortages. However, the necessary food and beverages were quickly obtained from various sources, enabling the troops' continued operational effectiveness and the completion of the assigned missions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Annals of the Polish Association of Agricultural & Agribusiness Economists is the property of Polish Association of Agricultural & Agribusiness Economists and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Fuzzy logic is a control system technique in solving problems and is applied to systems, from basic systems to difficult or complex systems. Fuzzy logic is the proper method to plan an input space into an output space using MATLAB's mathematical theory of fuzzy sets. The reason for using fuzzy logic is because it is related to uncertainty. The unstable demand for blood bags in hospitals makes the supply of blood bags excessive or lacking from demand. The lack of blood supply results in the unfulfilled demand for blood needed by the hospital, while the excess blood supply worsens the quality of blood. In this study, we will predict the number of bags produced using the Mamdani Fuzzy Inference System (FIS) method based on the minimum demand and maximum demand values and the minimum supply and maximum supply that produce output from the defuzzification process. Applying the Mamdani Fuzzy Inference System (FIS) method based on demand and supply data obtains optimal output with MATLAB in predicting the number of blood bags produced. The results of the study showed that the Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) fuzzy logic Mamdani error value was 24%, the accuracy value of the Fuzzy Inference System (FIS) Mamdani in determining the number of blood bag production was 76%, and the production output generated through the Fuzzy Inference System (FIS) Mamdani was 4,774 blood bags. The number of blood requests at the hospital is 4,443 blood bags, so the amount of blood that must be produced to meet the hospital's demand is 4,774 bags. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the COVID-19 pandemic is no longer a life-threatening pandemic, it has left behind economic challenges worldwide. During the outbreak, many governments mandated the use of face masks in public areas, resulting in its demand and market price immediately skyrocketing. The government may intervene in markets through price, which may lead to market misallocation. This article aims to investigate how consumers form their beliefs about face mask price changes based on their estimations of the market demand and supply, both with and without government intervention, and assess their willingness-to-pay (WTP) for face masks during the pandemic. The data was collected through an online survey of Chinese consumers in 2020. The results provide valuable insights for policymakers to better understand consumers' price expectations and WTP for face masks, enabling more effective government interventions to maintain market stability while ensuring consumer access to face masks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ensuring the consistent availability of essential medicines is crucial for effective healthcare systems. However, Ethiopian public health facilities have faced frequent stockouts of crucial medications, highlighting systemic challenges such as inadequate forecasting, prolonged procurement processes, a disjointed distribution system, suboptimal data quality, and a shortage of trained professionals. This study focuses on the Ethiopian Pharmaceutical Supply Services (EPSS), known for its highly unstable and volatile supply chain, aiming to identify risks and mitigation strategies. Methods: Using a mixed-method approach involving surveys and interviews, the research investigates successful and less successful strategies, key success factors, and barriers related to pharmaceutical shortages. Results: Proactive measures such as communication, stock assessment, supervision, and streamlined procurement are emphasized as vital in mitigating disruptions, while reactive strategies like safety stock may lack long-term efficacy. The study highlights the importance of aligning supply chain strategies with product uncertainties, fostering collaboration, and employing flexible designs for resilience. Managerial implications stress the need for responsive structures that integrate data quality, technology, and visibility. Conclusions: This study contributes by exploring proactive and reactive strategies, elucidating key success factors for overcoming shortages in countries with unstable supply chains, and offering actionable steps for enhancing supply chain resilience. Embracing uncertainty and implementing proactive measures can help navigate volatile environments, thereby enhancing competitiveness and sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The increasing shortage of staff in healthcare facilities worldwide calls for a human resource planning strategy in order to ensure safe, timely and patient-centred care. The purpose of this paper is to provide an analysis and supply and demand projections of nurses, midwives, and radiographers within the labor market of the largest university hospital in the Baltic States by 2030. Methods: The staff supply was calculated on the intake and outflow of persons in the labour market annually for various factors. Projections for the demand of nurses, midwives, and radiographers took into account the different needs of the population, categorized by gender and age, for the services offered within the institution. Results: The analysis highlights significant projected shortages in the supply of nurses and radiographers by 2030, while the supply of midwives is expected to meet the demand. The projected supply of nurses in 2030 will be lower than in 2021. Projected nurses demand in 2025 according medium scenario - shortage of 59 nurses, on prospective scenario - of 331 nurses. In 2030 according medium scenario - shortage of 173 nurses on prospective - of 772 nurses. The projected supply of radiographers in 2030 will be higher than in 2021. Projected radiographers demand in prospective scenario which is the most likely in 2025 - shortage of 26 and in 2030 - shortage of 52 radiographers. The projected supply of midwives in 2030 will be higher than in 2021. The variables influencing the increase in the demand for midwives did not exceed the projected supply in the institution, indicating a balanced supply-demand scenario for midwives. Conclusions: Due to the rising demand for nurse and radiographer services from the aging population, the predicted supply of nurses and radiographers will be insufficient. To ensure the projected demand for nurses in the medium and prospective scenarios, the nurses recruited each year should increase up to 38% in the medium scenario and 69% in the prospective scenario from 2022. In the prospective demand scenario, the recruitment of radiographers should increase three-fold and the recruitment of midwives should be reduced by 30%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clarifying the issues related to the supply, demand, and flow of ecosystem services is crucial for regional landscape management. This study employs the equivalence factor method and demand index quantification to analyze the supply and demand of ecosystem services in the Zheng-Bian-Luo region in 2000 and 2020. We used hotspot analysis tools and the minimum cumulative resistance model to establish the ecological corridors, identifying the spatial flow paths of ecosystem services in our site. By calculating the flow volume of the key corridor value through the breakpoint formula and field strength theory and combining this with the ratio of the regulating service value, we computed the ecological compensation amount, thereby realizing the value of the ecosystem service. The results indicate that the area of balance between ecosystem service supply and demand gradually decreased and the deficit area in the Zheng-Bian-Luo region increased 43.62% from 2000 to 2020 along with rapid urbanization. The total value flow of ecosystem services by the important ecological corridors in 2000 and 2020 was USD 242.40 million and USD 365.92 million, respectively. In 2020, it was predicted that Luanchuan County would receive ecological compensation totals of USD 237.76 million from each ecological demand area, and mainly from Jinshui District. Our findings support enhancing the quality of the ecological environment and optimizing the landscape management of the Yellow River's Henan section. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

No country is immune to the electoral success of populist radical right (PRR) parties: Spain and Portugal seemed to be the exception to this rule because, for decades, PRR parties remained relegated to the margins of the Iberian political systems. However, in 2019 VOX and Chega gained parliamentary representation: how did they manage to obtain their historic electoral breakthrough? From a supply-side perspective, we use the Party Manifesto dataset to show that VOX and Chega chose to position themselves within the existing political space and cleavages in ways that set them apart from the competition. VOX exploited the Spanish centre-periphery cleavage insisting on strong nationalist elements while advocating for increased centralization, while Chega insisted on personal freedom and welfare limitation to break the ties with the political system born out of the Carnation Revolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inefficient supply chain management within the US healthcare industry results in significant financial and environmental impact. Unopened medical supplies may routinely be discarded in the Emergency Department (ED), contributing as a source of unnecessary medical waste. Quantify the financial and environmental impact of unopened medical supplies that are routinely discarded in two EDs. The study utilized a waste audit of collection bins targeting unopened medical supplies that would have otherwise been discarded. Associated financial cost was calculated using data from the purchasing department and from an online search. End-of-life (EOL) environmental impact was calculated using the M+ Wastecare calculator. A lifecycle analysis was performed on a supplier-packaged intubation kit, which the study identified as a significant source of waste. High volumes of unused, unopened supplies (143.48 kg) were collected during the study period with a yearly extrapolated value of 1337 kg. Purchasing costs over 44 days at Hospital A and 37 days at Hospital B for these items amounted to $16,159.71 across both sites with a yearly extrapolated value of $150,631.73. Yearly extrapolated EOL impact yielded 5.79 tons per year of CO2eq. Components from supplier-packaged intubation kits were found to contribute to 45.2% of collected items at one site which purchased them. Lifecycle analysis of an intubation kit yields 23.6 kg of CO2eq. This study demonstrates that the disposal of unopened medical supplies contributes a significant source of financial and environmental waste in the ED setting. The results continue to support the trend of procedure kits generating significant environmental and financial waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simulating ecosystem carbon sequestration service (ECSS) flows is crucial for optimizing the carbon cycle in ecosystems and achieving sustainable balance between the supply and demand of the ECSS. This study integrates least-cost path analysis with Kriging interpolation to simulate the dominant wind direction and corrects the interpolated wind speeds to account for terrain and surface conditions. Carbon emissions are spatially distributed using points of interest and road network data. Ultimately, by traversing the carbon emission rate grids along wind directions, the ECSS flows are simulated. The results reveal that the study area has a small carbon sink area but a high total carbon emission, leading to a situation where the supply of ECSS is insufficient to meet demand. The ECSS flows, based on the simulated wind field, demonstrate high spatial resolution and highlight the service flow corridors with distinct spatial heterogeneity. The study area has a significant carbon surplus, requiring a forest area ten times larger than the study area itself to fully sequester this carbon. These findings provide valuable insights for urban sustainable development and carbon emission reduction strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractLong-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA), like 22:6n-3 (Docosahexaenoic acid; DHA) and 20:5n-3 (Eicosapentaenoic acid; EPA), are recognized for a range of important physiological roles in many aquaculture species. While the effects of EPA and DHA on a range of performance attributes and meat qualities are well recognized, an increasing awareness of their role in immune function, reproduction, bone formation and stress response is also emerging. Against this background of demand, global supplies of LC-PUFA are dominated by fish oil production from a diversified range of sources, though news sources are emerging. Among those aquaculture sectors that are the largest users of LC-PUFA resources (salmonids, shrimp, and marine fish), there are varying degrees of capacity by each to endogenously synthesize LC-PUFA and this affects the degree to which they must be obtained via the diet. Salmonids, which are the largest user of these nutrients possess some capacity to make EPA and DHA de novo, although evidence supports that salmonids perform better when provided with them preformed. Requirements by shrimp for LC-PUFA are variable, with evidence indicating that some species have capacity to desaturate and elongate fatty acids, whereas others do not. This is consistent with the observation that some species can utilize short-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, whereas others need pre-formed LC-PUFA in their diet. A third group, marine fish, have limited ability to desaturate and elongate precursor fatty acids and therefore have a critical requirement for LC-PUFA in their diet. Evidence across multiple species indicates that demands for these fatty acids are greater when the animals are young, and this demand decreases as they age. Among the various marine fish species examined estimates of requirements vary substantially and a one-size-fits all approach is clearly not applicable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the subject's importance, historiography has overlooked the shipbuilding industry and its supplies in the Spanish Caribbean, hence the need for this forum. It contributes to naval historiography by offering four case studies that discuss shipbuilding activities in shipyards and the supply of materials, especially the main raw material – wood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"Purpose: This study aimed to provide the basic data needed to estimate future urologist supply and demand by applying various statistical models related to healthcare utilization. Materials and Methods: Data from multiple sources, including the Yearbook of Health and Welfare Statistics, Korean Hospital Association, Korean Medical Association, and the Korean Urological Association, were used for supply estimation. Demand estimation incorporated data on both clinical and non-clinical urologists, along with future population estimates. In-and-out moves and demographic methods were employed for supply estimation, while the Bureau of Health Professions model was utilized for demand estimation. Supply estimation assumptions included fixed resident quotas, age-specific death rates, migration rates, and retirement age considerations. Demand estimation assumptions included combining clinical and nonclinical urologist demands, adjusting population size for age-related healthcare usage variations. Urologist productivity was determined by adjusting productivity levels to 100%, 90%, and 80% of the base year based on actual clinical practice volumes. Results: Estimations of both demand and supply consistently indicate an oversupply of urologists until 2025, followed by an expected shortage by 2035 owing to increased deaths and retirements attributed to the aging urologist population. This shortage becomes more pronounced when employing more reliable models, such as logit or ARIMA (autoregressive integrated moving average), underscoring the growing need for urologists in the future. Conclusions: All estimation models estimated an oversupply of urologists until 2025, transitioning to a deficit due to reduced supply thereafter. However, considering potential unaccounted factors, greater effort is needed for accurate predictions and corresponding measures."

The supply operation is widely used among professionals, which is why it has imposed the regulation of the relations between them. The supply contract complements the provisions of the sales contract, concerning the effects of the contract, specifically the obligations of the parties: those of the supplier, namely the transfer of ownership of the supplied goods, delivery of goods and provision of services, bearing the risk of loss of the goods up until they are handed over, the warranty obligation for eviction, and the warranty obligation for the defects of the supplied goods, as well as those of the beneficiary, namely taking over the goods and paying the price of the products or services. An aspect that adds specificity to the supply contract is the possibility of subcontracting the supply, which, we believe, raises issues due to the lack of regulation regarding the possibility of changing the price by conventional means.

Jewellery made of precious stones and metals is a luxury item, referring to goods with excessive consumer properties. At the same time, the sphere of turnover of precious metals, precious stones (PMPS) and products made from them is of strategic importance for the formation and development of the state economy. Businesses operating in this sphere are subject to compulsory registration in a special state register. The government is interested in supporting the jewellery industry and increasing its turnover, which is directly dependent on the population’s demand for PMPS products.Popular demand, in turn, depends on many factors that have their own specificities in relation to the area under study. An assessment of the factors based on expert opinion, conducted by the author with interviews of a group of consumers, the study of scientific research materials and journalistic articles from various Internet resources, indicates the acceptable superiority of offers of jewellery made of precious stones and metals, focused on the potential increase in the possibilities of sunlight.The conclusions presented in the paper on the factors influencing demand are recommended for use in the development of business development strategies and may be useful in making decisions on state regulation of the sale of jewellery made from PMPS.

The emergence of increasingly complex global supply networks and the rising risk of unpredictable events may have far-reaching consequences for various industries and the global economy. The impact unpredictable events have on supply chains remains a relatively underexplored area that requires further research and analysis. Current studies primarily concentrate on singular events, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on supply chains. This research aims to identify the main challenges in supply chain management resulting from unforeseen events and the actions taken in supply chains in response to them. The research is based on individual in-depth interviews conducted with a purposive sample of experts in supply chain management using a partially structured interview questionnaire. The research results were analysed using Nvivo v. 17.1, software for qualitative data analysis. A hybrid approach was employed for data coding. The research indicates several problems and the main remedial actions in supply chains in response to unforeseen events. Unforeseen events in the supply chain affect almost all supply chain operations: procurement, planning (including inventory planning and maintenance of company resources and production lines), logistics management (including transportation), and order management. The research indicated that cooperation, integration, and information exchange within the supply chain are crucial for effective responses to unforeseen events. Furthermore, the research highlighted the positive impact of unforeseen events on supply chain innovation. Moreover, there is an observed prevalence of intuitive management, particularly when responding to unexpected events. The research findings can serve as a basis for further discussions and studies on the potential impact and consequences of future unexpected events on supply chain resilience.

Abstract Background This study involved a scoping review to explore factors influencing dental hygienist demand and supply in high-income countries. Methods A six-stage scoping review was conducted with separate search strategies tailored to four databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, Google Scholar, and Google) plus a targeted scan of dental hygienist organization websites. This yielded 2,117 unique citations, leading to 148 articles included in the review. Results Nearly half of the articles (47%) focused on the United States, with 11% on Canada. Most articles (91%) were in English, alongside 13 in Korean and one in French. Journal articles comprised 62% of the publications, followed by reports/working papers (11%) and websites (11%). Other types included conference abstracts, policy briefs, and presentation slides. Content-wise, 47% were original research, with analysis articles (14%), commentaries (11%), and reviews (8%) also present. The articles were coded into three main categories: workforce characteristics/projections, factor-specific analyses, and workforce opportunities. The articles on workforce characteristics covered demographic, geographic, and employment aspects of dental hygienists, along with projections for supply and demand using simulation modelling and geospatial analyses. Factor-specific articles investigated the (1) working environment, (2) policy/regulatory/training environment, (3) job/career satisfaction and related human resource issues, and (4) scope of practice. The third key category of articles highlighted opportunities for expanding the workforce through alternative models in different sectors/settings (e.g., public health, primary care, long-term care, hospitals, mobile outreach, and non-clinical roles including research, education and leadership) and for a range of vulnerable or underserved populations (e.g., geriatric and pediatric populations, persons with disabilities, those living in rural/remote areas, Indigenous peoples, and incarcerated people). Conclusions This review provides a comprehensive documentation of the current state of the dental hygienist workforce, compiling factors affecting demand and supply, and highlighting opportunities for the dental hygienist workforce in Canada and other high-income countries. The findings offer a foundation for future research, highlighting the need for more focused and rigorous reviews and underscoring the necessity of high-quality studies to verify the effectiveness of various interventions and policies. This is crucial to address dental hygienist workforce challenges and ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of oral health care delivery.

This study in Rwanda offers a comprehensive analysis of water quality, reliability, and cost-effectiveness, departing from previous research by utilizing panel data analysis for a nuanced understanding of spatiotemporal dynamics. Unlike earlier studies focusing on specific aspects, this research adopts a holistic approach, examining factors crucial for water supply, quality, and cost, thus providing an integrated view of Rwanda's water sector. By analyzing data from various sources, including the Water and Sanitation Corporation (WASAC), the study evaluates the reliability, quality, and cost-effectiveness of drinking water. It identifies cost-effective water treatment plants and studies determinants such as production cost, raw water quality, and supply between 2017 and 2022, introducing novel metrics such as performance scores and a drinking water quality index. Despite an increase in lost water, WASAC notably improves water supply, resulting in a higher water access rate by 2022. The study highlights the influence of factors such as performance scores and raw water quality on water supply and quality. It emphasizes continuous monitoring, targeted interventions, and community engagement for sustainable water service delivery. The findings provide actionable insights for policymakers, stakeholders, and practitioners, aiming to enhance water management strategies and improve water access in Rwanda. HIGHLIGHTS Panel data analysis offers nuanced spatiotemporal insights departing from cross-sectional methods.; Holistic approach examines water supply, quality, and cost, unlike prior single-focus studies.; Innovative metrics introduced include performance score and water quality index.; Practical insights help identify cost-effective water treatment plants and key determinants.; Sustainability focus emphasizes continuous monitoring and community engagement.;

The article updates the issues of formation and implementation of the logistic mechanism of operation and development of domestic production enterprises. The purpose of the study is to generalize and further develop the methodological foundations of the formation of the logistic mechanism of activities of domestic enterprises. It is proven that the logistic mechanism of the enterprise should be considered as a set of its elements that interact with each other to ensure the proper level of efficiency of logistic activities, implementation of the enterprise's logistics strategy. Such elements are: its subjects, objects, purpose, goals, tasks, aspects of strategy and tactics, tools, means, resource provision, etc. On the other hand, the logistic mechanism has its own specifics associated with purely logistic aspects. It is found that the efficiency of the logistic mechanism of the enterprise should be understood as the ability of the economic entity to ensure smooth and efficient processes of stock management, transportation of material stocks and finished products, warehousing, packaging, freight processing, procurement and distribution; formation of a full-fledged, high-quality and efficiently functioning logistic system; implementation of business logistic strategies. It is argued that the achievement of this goal requires the implementation of such functions as security, rhythmicity, balance, stimulation and the addition of added value. The leading areas of formation and implementation of the logistic mechanism of the enterprise have been identified, namely, inventory management; purchases; transportation; warehousing; distribution; packaging; freight processing. The measures aimed at increasing the efficiency of the enterprise's logistic mechanism should be implemented in accordance with these very directions.